For some people, staycations are an excuse for reckless behaviour

Our readers have their say about staycations, hydroxychloroquine and hateful rhetoric

The UAE has started to gradually open up its economy. REUTERS

I write to you in reference to Ashleigh Stewart's article 'We sold out in 12 hours': hotels adapt to new reality as residents snap up staycation offers (May 14).

It was shocking to read these statements, which are a clear indication that the hotel industry sees restrictions as an inconvenience rather than an imperative protocol.

We must all stay responsible. We cannot afford to suddenly let our guard down in the false belief that we are safe.

While there is a large segment of society that is indeed acting responsibly, some still behave in a reckless manner. These are the same people now frequenting resorts to “party” or for a “staycation” while ignoring social distancing measures.

It is saddening to see that residents need to be reminded that this pandemic took the lives of overworked health workers and loved ones. It is disrespectful towards the UAE government and health workers for individuals to brush off the pandemic and expose themselves, and others, to infection.

And while we all yearn to return to normalcy, we must ensure that those who break the rules are held accountable for their actions.

There is no shame in needing a breather. Mental health is extremely important. Recklessness, however, must not be allowed.

Mariam Sallam, UAE

Anti-malarial drug proven effective against ... malaria, not Covid-19

I write to you in reference to Coronavirus: two new studies find 'no benefit' from anti-malaria drug (May 15). What a disappointment. This article revealed that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, on which so many politicians and some scientists had pinned their hopes for a coronavirus cure, was proven to be completely ineffective against the disease. Hydroxychloroquine is very effective against malaria, the disease it was designed to combat, but has absolutely no effect whatsoever on patients suffering from the novel coronavirus.  

Now that one potential solution ended up being little more than false hope, it is time to focus the world’s efforts on other promising cures for the coronavirus, such as stem cell treatments.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Pandemic should teach us compassion, not hate and bigotry

I write to you in reference to Paul Peachey's article German far-right exploit Covid-19 to rally anti-Muslim fervour (May 15).

It is sad to see that in some countries, fringe groups are using this pandemic as an excuse to fuel hatred. We must remember our shared humanity, not hate each other in this time of strife.

Nyanzi Allan, Kampala